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Bioengineering
Volume 11
Issue 2
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Bioengineering, Volume 11, Issue 2 (February 2024) – 96 articles

Cover Story (view full-size image): Shape-controlled 3D tissues resemble natural living tissues in humans and are essential materials for developing and improving biological technologies (regenerative medicine, drug discovery, etc.). However, it was still challenging to create shape-controlled 3D tissue without using artificial materials. In this research, we proposed a novel, easy, and precise fabrication process for shape-controlled 3D tissues made only of cells using a flexible high-porosity porous structure (HPPS) free of non-natural materials without using specific chemicals such as proteolytic enzymes. The proposed method has a high possibility of high viability of the cells and contributes to the biological industry because of its suitability for mass production. View this paper
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16 pages, 1552 KiB  
Review
Tracheal Tissue Engineering: Principles and State of the Art
by Marco Mammana, Alessandro Bonis, Vincenzo Verzeletti, Andrea Dell’Amore and Federico Rea
Bioengineering 2024, 11(2), 198; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering11020198 - 19 Feb 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2450
Abstract
Patients affected by long-segment tracheal defects or stenoses represent an unsolved surgical issue, since they cannot be treated with the conventional surgery of tracheal resection and consequent anastomosis. Hence, different strategies for tracheal replacement have been proposed (synthetic materials, aortic allografts, transplantation, autologous [...] Read more.
Patients affected by long-segment tracheal defects or stenoses represent an unsolved surgical issue, since they cannot be treated with the conventional surgery of tracheal resection and consequent anastomosis. Hence, different strategies for tracheal replacement have been proposed (synthetic materials, aortic allografts, transplantation, autologous tissue composites, and tissue engineering), each with advantages and drawbacks. Tracheal tissue engineering, on the other hand, aims at recreating a fully functional tracheal substitute, without the need for the patient to receive lifelong immunosuppression or endotracheal stents. Tissue engineering approaches involve the use of a scaffold, stem cells, and humoral signals. This paper reviews the main aspects of tracheal TE, starting from the choice of the scaffold to the type of stem cells that can be used to seed the scaffold, the methods for their culture and expansion, the issue of graft revascularization at the moment of in vivo implantation, and experimental models of tracheal research. Moreover, a critical insight on the state of the art of tracheal tissue engineering is also presented. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Stem Cell for Tissue Engineering)
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16 pages, 4469 KiB  
Article
Surgical Medical Education via 3D Bioprinting: Modular System for Endovascular Training
by Ruben Foresti, Anna Fornasari, Claudio Bianchini Massoni, Arianna Mersanne, Chiara Martini, Elisa Cabrini, Antonio Freyrie and Paolo Perini
Bioengineering 2024, 11(2), 197; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering11020197 - 19 Feb 2024
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2301
Abstract
There is currently a shift in surgical training from traditional methods to simulation-based approaches, recognizing the necessity of more effective and controlled learning environments. This study introduces a completely new 3D-printed modular system for endovascular surgery training (M-SET), developed to allow various difficulty [...] Read more.
There is currently a shift in surgical training from traditional methods to simulation-based approaches, recognizing the necessity of more effective and controlled learning environments. This study introduces a completely new 3D-printed modular system for endovascular surgery training (M-SET), developed to allow various difficulty levels. Its design was based on computed tomography angiographies from real patient data with femoro-popliteal lesions. The study aimed to explore the integration of simulation training via a 3D model into the surgical training curriculum and its effect on their performance. Our preliminary study included 12 volunteer trainees randomized 1:1 into the standard simulation (SS) group (3 stepwise difficulty training sessions) and the random simulation (RS) group (random difficulty of the M-SET). A senior surgeon evaluated and timed the final training session. Feedback reports were assessed through the Student Satisfaction and Self-Confidence in Learning Scale. The SS group completed the training sessions in about half time (23.13 ± 9.2 min vs. 44.6 ± 12.8 min). Trainees expressed high satisfaction with the training program supported by the M-SET. Our 3D-printed modular training model meets the current need for new endovascular training approaches, offering a customizable, accessible, and effective simulation-based educational program with the aim of reducing the time required to reach a high level of practical skills. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biomedical Engineering and Biomaterials)
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12 pages, 11878 KiB  
Article
Feasibility of High-Cellular-Resolution Full-Field, Artificial-Intelligence-Assisted, Real-Time Optical Coherence Tomography in the Evaluation of Vitiligo: A Prospective Longitudinal Follow-Up Study
by Lai-Ying Lu, Yi-Ting Chen, I-Ling Chen, Yu-Chang Shih, Rosalie Tzu-Li Liu, Yi-Jing Lai and Chau Yee Ng
Bioengineering 2024, 11(2), 196; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering11020196 - 19 Feb 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1936
Abstract
Vitiligo, a psychologically distressing pigmentary disorder characterized by white depigmented patches due to melanocyte loss, necessitates non-invasive tools for early detection and treatment response monitoring. High-cellular-resolution full-field optical coherence tomography (CRFF-OCT) is emerging in pigmentary disorder assessment, but its applicability in vitiligo repigmentation [...] Read more.
Vitiligo, a psychologically distressing pigmentary disorder characterized by white depigmented patches due to melanocyte loss, necessitates non-invasive tools for early detection and treatment response monitoring. High-cellular-resolution full-field optical coherence tomography (CRFF-OCT) is emerging in pigmentary disorder assessment, but its applicability in vitiligo repigmentation after tissue grafting remains unexplored. To investigate the feasibility of CRFF-OCT for evaluating vitiligo lesions following tissue grafting, our investigation involved ten vitiligo patients who underwent suction blister epidermal grafting and laser ablation at a tertiary center between 2021 and 2022. Over a six-month period, clinical features, dermoscopy, and photography data were recorded. Utilizing CRFF-OCT along with artificial intelligence (AI) applications, repigmentation features were captured and analyzed. The CRFF-OCT analysis revealed a distinct dark band in vitiligo lesion skin, indicating melanin loss. Grafted areas exhibited melanocytes with dendrites around the epidermal-dermal junction and hair follicles. CRFF-OCT demonstrated its efficacy in the early detection of melanocyte recovery and accurate melanin quantification. This study introduces CRFF-OCT as a real-time, non-invasive, and in vivo evaluation tool for assessing vitiligo repigmentation, offering valuable insights into pigmentary disorders and treatment responses. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optical Techniques for Biomedical Engineering)
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13 pages, 1400 KiB  
Article
Bacterial Flora in Screw-Fixed Superstructures with Different Sealing Materials: A Comparative Clinical Trial
by Kikue Yamaguchi, Motohiro Munakata, Kota Ishii and Takashi Uesugi
Bioengineering 2024, 11(2), 195; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering11020195 - 19 Feb 2024
Viewed by 1362
Abstract
A screw-fixed superstructure is predominantly selected for implant prostheses because of the concern regarding developing peri-implantitis, although its infection route remains unclear. Focusing on microleakage from access holes, the present study clinically investigated the bacterial flora in access holes with different sealing materials. [...] Read more.
A screw-fixed superstructure is predominantly selected for implant prostheses because of the concern regarding developing peri-implantitis, although its infection route remains unclear. Focusing on microleakage from access holes, the present study clinically investigated the bacterial flora in access holes with different sealing materials. We examined 38 sites in 19 patients with two adjacent screw-fixed superstructures. Composite resin was used in the control group, and zinc-containing glass ionomer cement was used in the test group. Bacteria were collected from the access holes 28 days after superstructure placement and were subjected to DNA hybridization analysis. The same patient comparisons of the bacterial counts showed a significant decrease in 14 bacterial species for the red, yellow, and purple complexes in the test group (p < 0.05). In addition, the same patient comparisons of the bacterial ratios showed a significant decrease in six bacterial species for the orange, green, yellow, and purple complexes in the test group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the same patient comparisons of the implant positivity rates showed a significant decrease in the six bacterial species for the orange, yellow, and purple complexes in the test group. The results of this study indicate that zinc-containing glass ionomer cement is effective as a sealing material for access holes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Dental Implant Surgery)
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14 pages, 4131 KiB  
Article
Concurrent Learning Approach for Estimation of Pelvic Tilt from Anterior–Posterior Radiograph
by Ata Jodeiri, Hadi Seyedarabi, Sebelan Danishvar, Seyyed Hossein Shafiei, Jafar Ganjpour Sales, Moein Khoori, Shakiba Rahimi and Seyed Mohammad Javad Mortazavi
Bioengineering 2024, 11(2), 194; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering11020194 - 17 Feb 2024
Viewed by 1894
Abstract
Accurate and reliable estimation of the pelvic tilt is one of the essential pre-planning factors for total hip arthroplasty to prevent common post-operative complications such as implant impingement and dislocation. Inspired by the latest advances in deep learning-based systems, our focus in this [...] Read more.
Accurate and reliable estimation of the pelvic tilt is one of the essential pre-planning factors for total hip arthroplasty to prevent common post-operative complications such as implant impingement and dislocation. Inspired by the latest advances in deep learning-based systems, our focus in this paper has been to present an innovative and accurate method for estimating the functional pelvic tilt (PT) from a standing anterior–posterior (AP) radiography image. We introduce an encoder–decoder-style network based on a concurrent learning approach called VGG-UNET (VGG embedded in U-NET), where a deep fully convolutional network known as VGG is embedded at the encoder part of an image segmentation network, i.e., U-NET. In the bottleneck of the VGG-UNET, in addition to the decoder path, we use another path utilizing light-weight convolutional and fully connected layers to combine all extracted feature maps from the final convolution layer of VGG and thus regress PT. In the test phase, we exclude the decoder path and consider only a single target task i.e., PT estimation. The absolute errors obtained using VGG-UNET, VGG, and Mask R-CNN are 3.04 ± 2.49, 3.92 ± 2.92, and 4.97 ± 3.87, respectively. It is observed that the VGG-UNET leads to a more accurate prediction with a lower standard deviation (STD). Our experimental results demonstrate that the proposed multi-task network leads to a significantly improved performance compared to the best-reported results based on cascaded networks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Convolutional Neural Networks in Bioimaging and Biosignal Processes)
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21 pages, 9917 KiB  
Article
3D Printed Piezoelectric BaTiO3/Polyhydroxybutyrate Nanocomposite Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering
by Giovanna Strangis, Massimiliano Labardi, Giuseppe Gallone, Mario Milazzo, Simone Capaccioli, Francesca Forli, Patrizia Cinelli, Stefano Berrettini, Maurizia Seggiani, Serena Danti and Paolo Parchi
Bioengineering 2024, 11(2), 193; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering11020193 - 17 Feb 2024
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2758
Abstract
Bone defects are a significant health problem worldwide. Novel treatment approaches in the tissue engineering field rely on the use of biomaterial scaffolds to stimulate and guide the regeneration of damaged tissue that cannot repair or regrow spontaneously. This work aimed at developing [...] Read more.
Bone defects are a significant health problem worldwide. Novel treatment approaches in the tissue engineering field rely on the use of biomaterial scaffolds to stimulate and guide the regeneration of damaged tissue that cannot repair or regrow spontaneously. This work aimed at developing and characterizing new piezoelectric scaffolds to provide electric bio-signals naturally present in bone and vascular tissues. Mixing and extrusion were used to obtain nanocomposites made of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) as a matrix and barium titanate (BaTiO3) nanoparticles as a filler, at BaTiO3/PHB compositions of 5/95, 10/90, 15/85 and 20/80 (w/w%). The morphological, thermal, mechanical and piezoelectric properties of the nanocomposites were studied. Scanning electron microscopy analysis showed good nanoparticle dispersion within the polymer matrix. Considerable increases in the Young’s modulus, compressive strength and the piezoelectric coefficient d31 were observed with increasing BaTiO3 content, with d31 = 37 pm/V in 20/80 (w/w%) BaTiO3/PHB. 3D printing was used to produce porous cubic-shaped scaffolds using a 90° lay-down pattern, with pore size ranging in 0.60–0.77 mm and good mechanical stability. Biodegradation tests conducted for 8 weeks in saline solution at 37 °C showed low mass loss (∼4%) for 3D printed scaffolds. The results obtained in terms of piezoelectric, mechanical and chemical properties of the nanocomposite provide a new promising strategy for vascularized bone tissue engineering. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bone Tissue Engineering and Translational Research)
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18 pages, 2208 KiB  
Review
Risk Factors for Early Implant Failure and Selection of Bone Grafting Materials for Various Bone Augmentation Procedures: A Narrative Review
by Motohiro Munakata, Yu Kataoka, Kikue Yamaguchi and Minoru Sanda
Bioengineering 2024, 11(2), 192; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering11020192 - 17 Feb 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4091
Abstract
Implant therapy is now an established treatment with high long-term success and survival rates. However, early implant failure, which occurs within one year of superstructure placement, occurs at a higher rate than late failure, which is represented by peri-implantitis caused by bacterial infection. [...] Read more.
Implant therapy is now an established treatment with high long-term success and survival rates. However, early implant failure, which occurs within one year of superstructure placement, occurs at a higher rate than late failure, which is represented by peri-implantitis caused by bacterial infection. Furthermore, various risk factors for early failure have been reported, including patient-related factors, such as systemic diseases, smoking, and bone quality and quantity, as well as surgery-related factors, such as surgeons’ skill, osteogenesis technique, and selection of graft material, and implant-related factors, such as initial implant fixation and implant length diameter. Due to the wide variety of relevant factors reported, it is difficult to identify the cause of the problem. The purpose of this review is to discuss the risk factors associated with various types of bone augmentation which have a close causal relationship with early implant failure, and to determine the optimal bone grafting material for bone augmentation procedures to avoid early implant failure. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oral Health and Dental Restoration and Regeneration)
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20 pages, 963 KiB  
Review
Bone Formation and Maintenance in Oral Surgery: The Decisive Role of the Immune System—A Narrative Review of Mechanisms and Solutions
by Elisa Choukroun, Maximilien Parnot, Jerome Surmenian, Reinhard Gruber, Nicolas Cohen, Nicolas Davido, Alain Simonpieri, Charles Savoldelli, Franck Afota, Hicham El Mjabber and Joseph Choukroun
Bioengineering 2024, 11(2), 191; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering11020191 - 16 Feb 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3313
Abstract
Based on the evidence of a significant communication and connection pathway between the bone and immune systems, a new science has emerged: osteoimmunology. Indeed, the immune system has a considerable impact on bone health and diseases, as well as on bone formation during [...] Read more.
Based on the evidence of a significant communication and connection pathway between the bone and immune systems, a new science has emerged: osteoimmunology. Indeed, the immune system has a considerable impact on bone health and diseases, as well as on bone formation during grafts and its stability over time. Chronic inflammation induces the excessive production of oxidants. An imbalance between the levels of oxidants and antioxidants is called oxidative stress. This physio-pathological state causes both molecular and cellular damage, which leads to DNA alterations, genetic mutations and cell apoptosis, and thus, impaired immunity followed by delayed or compromised wound healing. Oxidative stress levels experienced by the body affect bone regeneration and maintenance around teeth and dental implants. As the immune system and bone remodeling are interconnected, bone loss is a consequence of immune dysregulation. Therefore, oral tissue deficiencies such as periodontitis and peri-implantitis should be regarded as immune diseases. Bone management strategies should include both biological and surgical solutions. These protocols tend to improve immunity through antioxidant production to enhance bone formation and prevent bone loss. This narrative review aims to highlight the relationship between inflammation, oxidation, immunity and bone health in the oral cavity. It intends to help clinicians to detect high-risk situations in oral surgery and to propose biological and clinical solutions that will enhance patients’ immune responses and surgical treatment outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Sights of Implants and Bone Regeneration: Updates and Future Directions 2.0)
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11 pages, 2955 KiB  
Article
Limitations of and Solutions to Using 6 mm Corneal Spherical Aberration and Q Value after Laser Refractive Surgery
by Sung Ho Choi, Yeo Kyoung Won, Sung Jin Na, DeokJo Nam and Dong Hui Lim
Bioengineering 2024, 11(2), 190; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering11020190 - 16 Feb 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1742
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the spherical aberration (SA) in different corneal areas before and after femtosecond laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (fLASIK) and transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy (tPRK), with the goal of identifying the limitations of and potential improvements in using SA within a [...] Read more.
This study aimed to evaluate the spherical aberration (SA) in different corneal areas before and after femtosecond laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (fLASIK) and transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy (tPRK), with the goal of identifying the limitations of and potential improvements in using SA within a 6 mm area. The study included 62 patients who underwent fLASIK and tPRK. Complete eye examinations including keratometry, corneal epithelial thickness, central corneal thickness, and topography were performed preoperatively and postoperatively. Anterior, posterior, and total corneal aberrations were measured preoperatively and three months postoperatively, with pupil diameters ranging from 2 to 8 mm. In the fLASIK group, compared to the preoperative SA, the anterior and total SA increased postoperatively in the 6 and 7 mm areas. In the tPRK group, meanwhile, the anterior and total SA of the 5 mm or larger areas increased postoperatively. An area of 6 mm or larger showed an increase in correlation with the changes in Q value and refractive correction. As the corneal SA and asphericity in the 6 mm zone cannot specifically demonstrate the status of areas smaller than 6 mm or changes in the optical zone after laser refractive surgery, comparison with normal values in various areas of the cornea is necessary. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances and Clinical Applications of Anterior Segment Imaging Techniques)
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44 pages, 6980 KiB  
Review
Dynamic Modelling, Process Control, and Monitoring of Selected Biological and Advanced Oxidation Processes for Wastewater Treatment: A Review of Recent Developments
by Zahra Parsa, Ramdhane Dhib and Mehrab Mehrvar
Bioengineering 2024, 11(2), 189; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering11020189 - 16 Feb 2024
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2881
Abstract
This review emphasizes the significance of formulating control strategies for biological and advanced oxidation process (AOP)-based wastewater treatment systems. The aim is to guarantee that the effluent quality continuously aligns with environmental regulations while operating costs are minimized. It highlights the significance of [...] Read more.
This review emphasizes the significance of formulating control strategies for biological and advanced oxidation process (AOP)-based wastewater treatment systems. The aim is to guarantee that the effluent quality continuously aligns with environmental regulations while operating costs are minimized. It highlights the significance of understanding the dynamic behaviour of the process in developing effective control schemes. The most common process control strategies in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are explained and listed. It is emphasized that the proper control scheme should be selected based on the process dynamic behaviour and control goal. This study further discusses the challenges associated with the control of wastewater treatment processes, including inadequacies in developed models, the limitations of most control strategies to the simulation stage, the imperative requirement for real-time data, and the financial and technical intricacies associated with implementing advanced controller hardware. It is discussed that the necessity of the availability of real-time data to achieve reliable control can be achieved by implementing proper, accurate hardware sensors in suitable locations of the process or by developing and implementing soft sensors. This study recommends further investigation on available actuators and the criteria for choosing the most appropriate one to achieve robust and reliable control in WWTPs, especially for biological and AOP-based treatment approaches. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Wastewater Treatment by Physical, Chemical, Photochemical, and Biological Processes, and Their Combinations)
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22 pages, 3080 KiB  
Article
Design and Control of a Soft Knee Exoskeleton for Pediatric Patients at Early Stages of the Walking Learning Process
by Paloma Mansilla Navarro, Dorin Copaci and Dolores Blanco Rojas
Bioengineering 2024, 11(2), 188; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering11020188 - 15 Feb 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1578
Abstract
Pediatric patients can suffer from different motor disorders that limit their neurological and motor development and hinder their independence. If treated at the very early stages of development, those limitations can be palliated or even removed. However, manual interventions are not completely effective [...] Read more.
Pediatric patients can suffer from different motor disorders that limit their neurological and motor development and hinder their independence. If treated at the very early stages of development, those limitations can be palliated or even removed. However, manual interventions are not completely effective due to the restrictions in terms of time, force, or tracking experienced by the physiotherapists. The knee flexo-extension is crucial for walking and often affected by disorders such as spasticity or lack of force in the posterior chain. This article focuses on the development of a knee exosuit to follow angular trajectories mimicking the maximum and minimum peaks present in the knee flexo-extension profiles of healthy individuals during walking. The proposed exosuit is based on shape memory alloy actuators along with four inertial sensors that close the control loop. The whole device is controlled through a two-level controller and has an hybrid rigid–flexible design to overcome the different issues present in the literature. The device was proven to be feasible for this type of application, with replicable and consistent behavior, reducing the price and weight of existing exosuits and enhancing patient comfort. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Robotic Assisted Rehabilitation and Therapy)
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21 pages, 5078 KiB  
Article
Establishment of a Human Immunocompetent 3D Tissue Model to Enable the Long-Term Examination of Biofilm–Tissue Interactions
by Rasika Murkar, Charlotte von Heckel, Heike Walles, Theresia Barbara Moch, Christoph Arens, Nikolaos Davaris, André Weber, Werner Zuschratter, Sönke Baumann, Jörg Reinhardt and Sascha Kopp
Bioengineering 2024, 11(2), 187; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering11020187 - 15 Feb 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1802
Abstract
Different studies suggest an impact of biofilms on carcinogenic lesion formation in varying human tissues. However, the mechanisms of cancer formation are difficult to examine in vivo as well as in vitro. Cell culture approaches, in most cases, are unable to keep a [...] Read more.
Different studies suggest an impact of biofilms on carcinogenic lesion formation in varying human tissues. However, the mechanisms of cancer formation are difficult to examine in vivo as well as in vitro. Cell culture approaches, in most cases, are unable to keep a bacterial steady state without any overgrowth. In our approach, we aimed to develop an immunocompetent 3D tissue model which can mitigate bacterial outgrowth. We established a three-dimensional (3D) co-culture of human primary fibroblasts with pre-differentiated THP-1-derived macrophages on an SIS-muc scaffold which was derived by decellularisation of a porcine intestine. After establishment, we exposed the tissue models to define the biofilms of the Pseudomonas spec. and Staphylococcus spec. cultivated on implant mesh material. After 3 days of incubation, the cell culture medium in models with M0 and M2 pre-differentiated macrophages presented a noticeable turbidity, while models with M1 macrophages presented no noticeable bacterial growth. These results were validated by optical density measurements and a streak test. Immunohistology and immunofluorescent staining of the tissue presented a positive impact of the M1 macrophages on the structural integrity of the tissue model. Furthermore, multiplex ELISA highlighted the increased release of inflammatory cytokines for all the three model types, suggesting the immunocompetence of the developed model. Overall, in this proof-of-principle study, we were able to mitigate bacterial overgrowth and prepared a first step for the development of more complex 3D tissue models to understand the impact of biofilms on carcinogenic lesion formation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biomedical Engineering and Biomaterials)
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19 pages, 4254 KiB  
Article
Enhancing Knee MR Image Clarity through Image Domain Super-Resolution Reconstruction
by Vishal Patel, Alan Wang, Andrew Paul Monk and Marco Tien-Yueh Schneider
Bioengineering 2024, 11(2), 186; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering11020186 - 15 Feb 2024
Viewed by 1665
Abstract
This study introduces a hybrid analytical super-resolution (SR) pipeline aimed at enhancing the resolution of medical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. The primary objective is to overcome the limitations of clinical MRI resolution without the need for additional expensive hardware. The proposed pipeline [...] Read more.
This study introduces a hybrid analytical super-resolution (SR) pipeline aimed at enhancing the resolution of medical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. The primary objective is to overcome the limitations of clinical MRI resolution without the need for additional expensive hardware. The proposed pipeline involves three key steps: pre-processing to re-slice and register the image stacks; SR reconstruction to combine information from three orthogonal image stacks to generate a high-resolution image stack; and post-processing using an artefact reduction convolutional neural network (ARCNN) to reduce the block artefacts introduced during SR reconstruction. The workflow was validated on a dataset of six knee MRIs obtained at high resolution using various sequences. Quantitative analysis of the method revealed promising results, showing an average mean error of 1.40 ± 2.22% in voxel intensities between the SR denoised images and the original high-resolution images. Qualitatively, the method improved out-of-plane resolution while preserving in-plane image quality. The hybrid SR pipeline also displayed robustness across different MRI sequences, demonstrating potential for clinical application in orthopaedics and beyond. Although computationally intensive, this method offers a viable alternative to costly hardware upgrades and holds promise for improving diagnostic accuracy and generating more anatomically accurate models of the human body. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress in Biomedical Image Processing)
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24 pages, 6681 KiB  
Review
Leveraging Artificial Intelligence to Expedite Antibody Design and Enhance Antibody–Antigen Interactions
by Doo Nam Kim, Andrew D. McNaughton and Neeraj Kumar
Bioengineering 2024, 11(2), 185; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering11020185 - 15 Feb 2024
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4631
Abstract
This perspective sheds light on the transformative impact of recent computational advancements in the field of protein therapeutics, with a particular focus on the design and development of antibodies. Cutting-edge computational methods have revolutionized our understanding of protein–protein interactions (PPIs), enhancing the efficacy [...] Read more.
This perspective sheds light on the transformative impact of recent computational advancements in the field of protein therapeutics, with a particular focus on the design and development of antibodies. Cutting-edge computational methods have revolutionized our understanding of protein–protein interactions (PPIs), enhancing the efficacy of protein therapeutics in preclinical and clinical settings. Central to these advancements is the application of machine learning and deep learning, which offers unprecedented insights into the intricate mechanisms of PPIs and facilitates precise control over protein functions. Despite these advancements, the complex structural nuances of antibodies pose ongoing challenges in their design and optimization. Our review provides a comprehensive exploration of the latest deep learning approaches, including language models and diffusion techniques, and their role in surmounting these challenges. We also present a critical analysis of these methods, offering insights to drive further progress in this rapidly evolving field. The paper includes practical recommendations for the application of these computational techniques, supplemented with independent benchmark studies. These studies focus on key performance metrics such as accuracy and the ease of program execution, providing a valuable resource for researchers engaged in antibody design and development. Through this detailed perspective, we aim to contribute to the advancement of antibody design, equipping researchers with the tools and knowledge to navigate the complexities of this field. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Biomedicine)
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10 pages, 2203 KiB  
Communication
Application of Adipose Stem Cells in 3D Nerve Guidance Conduit Prevents Muscle Atrophy and Improves Distal Muscle Compliance in a Peripheral Nerve Regeneration Model
by Cristian Trâmbițaș, Bogdan Andrei Cordoș, Dorin Constantin Dorobanțu, Cristian Vintilă, Alexandru Petru Ion, Timea Pap, David Camelia, Claudiu Puiac, Emil Marian Arbănași, Claudiu Constantin Ciucanu, Adrian Vasile Mureșan, Eliza Mihaela Arbănași and Eliza Russu
Bioengineering 2024, 11(2), 184; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering11020184 - 15 Feb 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1530
Abstract
Background: Peripheral nerve injuries (PNIs) represent a significant clinical problem, and standard approaches to nerve repair have limitations. Recent breakthroughs in 3D printing and stem cell technologies offer a promising solution for nerve regeneration. The main purpose of this study was to examine [...] Read more.
Background: Peripheral nerve injuries (PNIs) represent a significant clinical problem, and standard approaches to nerve repair have limitations. Recent breakthroughs in 3D printing and stem cell technologies offer a promising solution for nerve regeneration. The main purpose of this study was to examine the biomechanical characteristics in muscle tissue distal to a nerve defect in a murine model of peripheral nerve regeneration from physiological stress to failure. Methods: In this experimental study, we enrolled 18 Wistar rats in which we created a 10 mm sciatic nerve defect. Furthermore, we divided them into three groups as follows: in Group 1, we used 3D nerve guidance conduits (NGCs) and adipose stem cells (ASCs) in seven rats; in Group 2, we used only 3D NGCs for seven rats; and in Group 3, we created only the defect in four rats. We monitored the degree of atrophy at 4, 8, and 12 weeks by measuring the diameter of the tibialis anterior (TA) muscle. At the end of 12 weeks, we took the TA muscle and analyzed it uniaxially at 10% stretch until failure. Results: In the group of animals with 3D NGCs and ASCs, we recorded the lowest degree of atrophy at 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks after nerve reconstruction. At 10% stretch, the control group had the highest Cauchy stress values compared to the 3D NGC group (0.164 MPa vs. 0.141 MPa, p = 0.007) and the 3D NGC + ASC group (0.164 MPa vs. 0.123 MPa, p = 0.007). In addition, we found that the control group (1.763 MPa) had the highest TA muscle stiffness, followed by the 3D NGC group (1.412 MPa), with the best muscle elasticity showing in the group in which we used 3D NGC + ASC (1.147 MPa). At failure, TA muscle samples from the 3D NGC + ASC group demonstrated better compliance and a higher degree of elasticity compared to the other two groups (p = 0.002 and p = 0.008). Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that the combination of 3D NGC and ASC increases the process of nerve regeneration and significantly improves the compliance and mechanical characteristics of muscle tissue distal to the injury site in a PNI murine model. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Bioengineered Models in Disease Modeling and Organ Regeneration)
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16 pages, 3387 KiB  
Article
Unlocking the Promise of Decellularized Pancreatic Tissue: A Novel Approach to Support Angiogenesis in Engineered Tissue
by Lei Hao, Fariba Khajouei, Jaselin Rodriguez, Soojin Kim and Eun Jung A. Lee
Bioengineering 2024, 11(2), 183; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering11020183 - 14 Feb 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2216
Abstract
Advancements in regenerative medicine have highlighted the potential of decellularized extracellular matrix (ECM) as a scaffold for organ bioengineering. Although the potential of ECM in major organ systems is well-recognized, studies focusing on the angiogenic effects of pancreatic ECM are limited. This study [...] Read more.
Advancements in regenerative medicine have highlighted the potential of decellularized extracellular matrix (ECM) as a scaffold for organ bioengineering. Although the potential of ECM in major organ systems is well-recognized, studies focusing on the angiogenic effects of pancreatic ECM are limited. This study investigates the capabilities of pancreatic ECM, particularly its role in promoting angiogenesis. Using a Triton-X-100 solution, porcine pancreas was successfully decellularized, resulting in a significant reduction in DNA content (97.1% removal) while preserving key pancreatic ECM components. A three-dimensional ECM hydrogel was then created from this decellularized tissue and used for cell culture. Biocompatibility tests demonstrated enhanced adhesion and proliferation of mouse embryonic stem cell-derived endothelial cells (mES-ECs) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in this hydrogel compared to conventional scaffolds. The angiogenic potential was evaluated through tube formation assays, wherein the cells showed superior tube formation capabilities in ECM hydrogel compared to rat tail collagen. The RT-PCR analysis further confirmed the upregulation of pro-angiogenic genes in HUVECs cultured within the ECM hydrogel. Specifically, HUVECs cultured in the ECM hydrogel exhibited a significant upregulation in the expression of MMP2, VEGF and PAR-1, compared to those cultured in collagen hydrogel or in a monolayer condition. The identification of ECM proteins, specifically PRSS2 and Decorin, further supports the efficacy of pancreatic ECM hydrogel as an angiogenic scaffold. These findings highlight the therapeutic promise of pancreatic ECM hydrogel as a candidate for vascularized tissue engineering application. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tissue Engineering Scaffolds in Regenerative Medicine)
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11 pages, 2595 KiB  
Technical Note
Exploratory Analysis of Image-Guided Ionizing Radiation Delivery to Induce Long-Term Iron Accumulation and Ferritin Expression in a Lung Injury Model: Preliminary Results
by Amira Zaher, Bryce Duchman, Marina Ivanovic, Douglas R. Spitz, Muhammad Furqan, Bryan G. Allen and Michael S. Petronek
Bioengineering 2024, 11(2), 182; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering11020182 - 14 Feb 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1626
Abstract
Background: Radiation therapy (RT) is an integral and commonly used therapeutic modality for primary lung cancer. However, radiation-induced lung injury (RILI) limits the irradiation dose used in the lung and is a significant source of morbidity. Disruptions in iron metabolism have been linked [...] Read more.
Background: Radiation therapy (RT) is an integral and commonly used therapeutic modality for primary lung cancer. However, radiation-induced lung injury (RILI) limits the irradiation dose used in the lung and is a significant source of morbidity. Disruptions in iron metabolism have been linked to radiation injury, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Purpose: To utilize a targeted radiation delivery approach to induce RILI for the development of a model system to study the role of radiation-induced iron accumulation in RILI. Methods: This study utilizes a Small Animal Radiation Research Platform (SARRP) to target the right lung with a 20 Gy dose while minimizing the dose delivered to the left lung and adjacent heart. Long-term pulmonary function was performed using RespiRate-x64image analysis. Normal-appearing lung volumes were calculated using a cone beam CT (CBCT) image thresholding approach in 3D Slicer software. Quantification of iron accumulation was performed spectrophotometrically using a ferrozine-based assay as well as histologically using Prussian blue and via Western blotting for ferritin heavy chain expression. Results: Mild fibrosis was seen histologically in the irradiated lung using hematoxylin and eosin-stained fixed tissue at 9 months, as well as using a scoring system from CBCT images, the Szapiel scoring system, and the highest fibrotic area metric. In contrast, no changes in breathing rate were observed, and median survival was not achieved up to 36 weeks following irradiation, consistent with mild lung fibrosis when only one lung was targeted. Our study provided preliminary evidence on increased iron content and ferritin heavy chain expression in the irradiated lung, thus warranting further investigation. Conclusions: A targeted lung irradiation model may be a useful approach for studying the long-term pathological effects associated with iron accumulation and RILI following ionizing radiation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Image-Guided Radiation Therapy for Cancer)
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24 pages, 5527 KiB  
Article
A New Phenolic Acid Decarboxylase from the Brown-Rot Fungus Neolentinus lepideus Natively Decarboxylates Biosourced Sinapic Acid into Canolol, a Bioactive Phenolic Compound
by Elise Odinot, Alexandra Bisotto-Mignot, Toinou Frezouls, Bastien Bissaro, David Navarro, Eric Record, Frédéric Cadoret, Annick Doan, Didier Chevret, Frédéric Fine and Anne Lomascolo
Bioengineering 2024, 11(2), 181; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering11020181 - 14 Feb 2024
Viewed by 1856
Abstract
Rapeseed meal (RSM) is a cheap, abundant and renewable feedstock, whose biorefinery is a current challenge for the sustainability of the oilseed sector. RSM is rich in sinapic acid (SA), a p-hydroxycinnamic acid that can be decarboxylated into canolol (2,6-dimethoxy-4-vinylphenol), a valuable [...] Read more.
Rapeseed meal (RSM) is a cheap, abundant and renewable feedstock, whose biorefinery is a current challenge for the sustainability of the oilseed sector. RSM is rich in sinapic acid (SA), a p-hydroxycinnamic acid that can be decarboxylated into canolol (2,6-dimethoxy-4-vinylphenol), a valuable bioactive compound. Microbial phenolic acid decarboxylases (PADs), mainly described for the non-oxidative decarboxylation of ferulic and p-coumaric acids, remain very poorly documented to date, for SA decarboxylation. The species Neolentinus lepideus has previously been shown to biotransform SA into canolol in vivo, but the enzyme responsible for bioconversion of the acid has never been characterized. In this study, we purified and characterized a new PAD from the canolol-overproducing strain N. lepideus BRFM15. Proteomic analysis highlighted a sole PAD-type protein sequence in the intracellular proteome of the strain. The native enzyme (NlePAD) displayed an unusual outstanding activity for decarboxylating SA (Vmax of 600 U.mg−1, kcat of 6.3 s−1 and kcat/KM of 1.6 s−1.mM−1). We showed that NlePAD (a homodimer of 2 × 22 kDa) is fully active in a pH range of 5.5–7.5 and a temperature range of 30–55 °C, with optima of pH 6–6.5 and 37–45 °C, and is highly stable at 4 °C and pH 6–8. Relative ratios of specific activities on ferulic, sinapic, p-coumaric and caffeic acids, respectively, were 100:24.9:13.4:3.9. The enzyme demonstrated in vitro effectiveness as a biocatalyst for the synthesis of canolol in aqueous medium from commercial SA, with a molar yield of 92%. Then, we developed processes to biotransform naturally-occurring SA from RSM into canolol by combining the complementary potentialities of an Aspergillus niger feruloyl esterase type-A, which is able to release free SA from the raw meal by hydrolyzing its conjugated forms, and NlePAD, in aqueous medium and mild conditions. NlePAD decarboxylation of biobased SA led to an overall yield of 1.6–3.8 mg canolol per gram of initial meal. Besides being the first characterization of a fungal PAD able to decarboxylate SA, this report shows that NlePAD is very promising as new biotechnological tool to generate biobased vinylphenols of industrial interest (especially canolol) as valuable platform chemicals for health, nutrition, cosmetics and green chemistry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue From Residues to Bio-Based Products through Bioprocess Engineering)
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20 pages, 7230 KiB  
Review
Bone-Regeneration Therapy Using Biodegradable Scaffolds: Calcium Phosphate Bioceramics and Biodegradable Polymers
by Kaoru Aoki, Hirokazu Ideta, Yukiko Komatsu, Atsushi Tanaka, Munehisa Kito, Masanori Okamoto, Jun Takahashi, Shuichiro Suzuki and Naoto Saito
Bioengineering 2024, 11(2), 180; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering11020180 - 13 Feb 2024
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3579
Abstract
Calcium phosphate-based synthetic bone is broadly used for the clinical treatment of bone defects caused by trauma and bone tumors. Synthetic bone is easy to use; however, its effects depend on the size and location of the bone defect. Many alternative treatment options [...] Read more.
Calcium phosphate-based synthetic bone is broadly used for the clinical treatment of bone defects caused by trauma and bone tumors. Synthetic bone is easy to use; however, its effects depend on the size and location of the bone defect. Many alternative treatment options are available, such as joint arthroplasty, autologous bone grafting, and allogeneic bone grafting. Although various biodegradable polymers are also being developed as synthetic bone material in scaffolds for regenerative medicine, the clinical application of commercial synthetic bone products with comparable performance to that of calcium phosphate bioceramics have yet to be realized. This review discusses the status quo of bone-regeneration therapy using artificial bone composed of calcium phosphate bioceramics such as β-tricalcium phosphate (βTCP), carbonate apatite, and hydroxyapatite (HA), in addition to the recent use of calcium phosphate bioceramics, biodegradable polymers, and their composites. New research has introduced potential materials such as octacalcium phosphate (OCP), biologically derived polymers, and synthetic biodegradable polymers. The performance of artificial bone is intricately related to conditions such as the intrinsic material, degradability, composite materials, manufacturing method, structure, and signaling molecules such as growth factors and cells. The development of new scaffold materials may offer more efficient bone regeneration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomaterials for Bone Repair and Regeneration)
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40 pages, 1213 KiB  
Review
Seeing the Future: A Review of Ocular Therapy
by Maiya Whalen, Monica Akula, Shannon M. McNamee, Margaret M. DeAngelis and Neena B. Haider
Bioengineering 2024, 11(2), 179; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering11020179 - 13 Feb 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3306
Abstract
Ocular diseases present a unique challenge and opportunity for therapeutic development. The eye has distinct advantages as a therapy target given its accessibility, compartmentalization, immune privilege, and size. Various methodologies for therapeutic delivery in ocular diseases are under investigation that impact long-term efficacy, [...] Read more.
Ocular diseases present a unique challenge and opportunity for therapeutic development. The eye has distinct advantages as a therapy target given its accessibility, compartmentalization, immune privilege, and size. Various methodologies for therapeutic delivery in ocular diseases are under investigation that impact long-term efficacy, toxicity, invasiveness, and delivery range. While gene, cell, and antibody therapy and nanoparticle delivery directly treat regions that have been damaged by disease, they can be limited in the duration of the therapeutic delivery and have a focal effect. In contrast, contact lenses and ocular implants can more effectively achieve sustained and widespread delivery of therapies; however, they can increase dilution of therapeutics, which may result in reduced effectiveness. Current therapies either offer a sustained release or a broad therapeutic effect, and future directions should aim toward achieving both. This review discusses current ocular therapy delivery systems and their applications, mechanisms for delivering therapeutic products to ocular tissues, advantages and challenges associated with each delivery system, current approved therapies, and clinical trials. Future directions for the improvement in existing ocular therapies include combination therapies, such as combined cell and gene therapies, as well as AI-driven devices, such as cortical implants that directly transmit visual information to the cortex. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioengineering and the Eye—2nd Edition)
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25 pages, 11483 KiB  
Article
Exploration of the Advanced VIVOTM Joint Simulator: An In-Depth Analysis of Opportunities and Limitations Demonstrated by the Artificial Knee Joint
by Paul Henke, Leo Ruehrmund, Rainer Bader and Maeruan Kebbach
Bioengineering 2024, 11(2), 178; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering11020178 - 13 Feb 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1697
Abstract
In biomechanical research, advanced joint simulators such as VIVOTM offer the ability to test artificial joints under realistic kinematics and load conditions. Furthermore, it promises to simplify testing with advanced control approaches and the ability to include virtual ligaments. However, the overall [...] Read more.
In biomechanical research, advanced joint simulators such as VIVOTM offer the ability to test artificial joints under realistic kinematics and load conditions. Furthermore, it promises to simplify testing with advanced control approaches and the ability to include virtual ligaments. However, the overall functionality concerning specific test setup conditions, such as the joint lubrication or control algorithm, has not been investigated in-depth so far. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyse the basic functionality of the VIVOTM joint simulator with six degrees of freedom in order to highlight its capabilities and limitations when testing a total knee endoprostheses using a passive flexion–extension movement. For this, different test setup conditions were investigated, e.g., the control method, repeatability and kinematic reproducibility, waveform frequency, lubrication, and implant embedding. The features offered by the VIVOTM joint simulator are useful for testing joint endoprostheses under realistic loading scenarios. It was found that the results were highly influenced by the varying test setup conditions, although the same mechanical load case was analysed. This study highlights the difficulties encountered when using six degrees of freedom joint simulators, contributes to their understanding, and supports users of advanced joint simulators through functional and tribological analysis of joint endoprostheses. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biomechanics and Sports Medicine)
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15 pages, 5662 KiB  
Article
Reversing the Natural Drug Resistance of Gram-Negative Bacteria to Fusidic Acid via Forming Drug–Phospholipid Complex
by Jianhong Liu, Xuyang Lai, Yuanhong Li, Zhuohang Yu, Xuan Wang, Chaoliang Zhang and Qiang Peng
Bioengineering 2024, 11(2), 177; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering11020177 - 11 Feb 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1732
Abstract
Drug resistance substantially compromises antibiotic therapy and poses a serious threat to public health. Fusidic acid (FA) is commonly used to treat staphylococcal infections, such as pneumonia, osteomyelitis and skin infections. However, Gram-negative bacteria have natural resistance to FA, which is almost restrained [...] Read more.
Drug resistance substantially compromises antibiotic therapy and poses a serious threat to public health. Fusidic acid (FA) is commonly used to treat staphylococcal infections, such as pneumonia, osteomyelitis and skin infections. However, Gram-negative bacteria have natural resistance to FA, which is almost restrained in cell membranes due to the strong interactions between FA and phospholipids. Herein, we aim to utilize the strong FA–phospholipid interaction to pre-form a complex of FA with the exogenous phospholipid. The FA, in the form of an FA–phospholipid complex (FA-PC), no longer interacts with the endogenous membrane phospholipids and thus can be delivered into bacteria cells successfully. We found that the water solubility of FA (5 µg/mL) was improved to 133 µg/mL by forming the FA-PC (molar ratio 1:1). Furthermore, upon incubation for 6 h, the FA-PC (20 µg/mL) caused a 99.9% viability loss of E. coli and 99.1% loss of P. aeruginosa, while free FA did not work. The morphology of the elongated bacteria cells after treatment with the FA-PC was demonstrated by SEM. The successful intracellular delivery was shown by confocal laser scanning microscopy in the form of coumarin 6-PC (C6-PC), where C6 served as a fluorescent probe. Interestingly, the antibacterial effect of the FA-PC was significantly compromised by adding extra phospholipid in the medium, indicating that there may be a phospholipid-based transmembrane transport mechanism underlying the intracellular delivery of the FA-PC. This is the first report regarding FA-PC formation and its successful reversing of Gram-negative bacteria resistance to FA, and it provides a platform to reverse transmembrane delivery-related drug resistance. The ready availability of phospholipid and the simple preparation allow it to have great potential for clinical use. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Nanobiotechnology and Biofabrication)
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15 pages, 3078 KiB  
Article
Assessment of Postural Control in Children with Movement Disorders by Means of a New Technological Tool: A Pilot Study
by Valentina Menici, Roberta Scalise, Alessio Fasano, Egidio Falotico, Nevio Dubbini, Giuseppe Prencipe, Giuseppina Sgandurra, Silvia Filogna and Roberta Battini
Bioengineering 2024, 11(2), 176; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering11020176 - 11 Feb 2024
Viewed by 1629
Abstract
Considering the variability and heterogeneity of motor impairment in children with Movement Disorders (MDs), the assessment of postural control becomes essential. For its assessment, only a few tools objectively quantify and recognize the difference among children with MDs. In this study, we use [...] Read more.
Considering the variability and heterogeneity of motor impairment in children with Movement Disorders (MDs), the assessment of postural control becomes essential. For its assessment, only a few tools objectively quantify and recognize the difference among children with MDs. In this study, we use the Virtual Reality Rehabilitation System (VRRS) for assessing the postural control in children with MD. Furthermore, 16 children (mean age 10.68 ± 3.62 years, range 4.29–18.22 years) were tested with VRRS by using a stabilometric balance platform. Postural parameters, related to the movements of the Centre of Pressure (COP), were collected and analyzed. Three different MD groups were identified according to the prevalent MD: dystonia, chorea and chorea–dystonia. Statistical analyses tested the differences among MD groups in the VRRS-derived COP variables. The mean distance, root mean square, excursion, velocity and frequency values of the dystonia group showed significant differences (p < 0.05) between the chorea group and the chorea–dystonia group. Technology provides quantitative data to support clinical assessment: in this case, the VRRS detected differences among the MD patterns, identifying specific group features. This tool could be useful also for monitoring the longitudinal trajectories and detecting post-treatment changes. Full article
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15 pages, 1475 KiB  
Article
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Automated Diagnosis: A Motor vs. Sensory Nerve Conduction-Based Approach
by Dimitrios Bakalis, Prokopis Kontogiannis, Evangelos Ntais, Yannis V. Simos, Konstantinos I. Tsamis and George Manis
Bioengineering 2024, 11(2), 175; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering11020175 - 11 Feb 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1570
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of machine learning classification techniques applied to nerve conduction studies (NCS) of motor and sensory signals for the automatic diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Two methodologies were tested. In the first methodology, [...] Read more.
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of machine learning classification techniques applied to nerve conduction studies (NCS) of motor and sensory signals for the automatic diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Two methodologies were tested. In the first methodology, motor signals recorded from the patients’ median nerve were transformed into time-frequency spectrograms using the short-time Fourier transform (STFT). These spectrograms were then used as input to a deep two-dimensional convolutional neural network (CONV2D) for classification into two categories: patients and controls. In the second methodology, sensory signals from the patients’ median and ulnar nerves were subjected to multilevel wavelet decomposition (MWD), and statistical and non-statistical features were extracted from the decomposed signals. These features were utilized to train and test classifiers. The classification target was set to three categories: normal subjects (controls), patients with mild CTS, and patients with moderate to severe CTS based on conventional electrodiagnosis results. The results of the classification analysis demonstrated that both methodologies surpassed previous attempts at automatic CTS diagnosis. The classification models utilizing the motor signals transformed into time-frequency spectrograms exhibited excellent performance, with average accuracy of 94%. Similarly, the classifiers based on the sensory signals and the extracted features from multilevel wavelet decomposition showed significant accuracy in distinguishing between controls, patients with mild CTS, and patients with moderate to severe CTS, with accuracy of 97.1%. The findings highlight the efficacy of incorporating machine learning algorithms into the diagnostic processes of NCS, providing a valuable tool for clinicians in the diagnosis and management of neuropathies such as CTS. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Artificial Intelligence-Based Diagnostics and Biomedical Analytics)
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11 pages, 2285 KiB  
Article
Ultrasound Flow Imaging Study on Rat Brain with Ultrasound and Light Stimulations
by Junhang Zhang, Chen Gong, Zihan Yang, Fan Wei, Xin Sun, Jie Ji, Yushun Zeng, Chi-feng Chang, Xunan Liu, Deepthi S. Rajendran Nair, Biju B. Thomas and Qifa Zhou
Bioengineering 2024, 11(2), 174; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering11020174 - 10 Feb 2024
Viewed by 2099
Abstract
Functional ultrasound (fUS) flow imaging provides a non-invasive method for the in vivo study of cerebral blood flow and neural activity. This study used functional flow imaging to investigate rat brain’s response to ultrasound and colored-light stimuli. Male Long-Evan rats were exposed to [...] Read more.
Functional ultrasound (fUS) flow imaging provides a non-invasive method for the in vivo study of cerebral blood flow and neural activity. This study used functional flow imaging to investigate rat brain’s response to ultrasound and colored-light stimuli. Male Long-Evan rats were exposed to direct full-field strobe flashes light and ultrasound stimulation to their retinas, while brain activity was measured using high-frequency ultrasound imaging. Our study found that light stimuli, particularly blue light, elicited strong responses in the visual cortex and lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN), as evidenced by changes in cerebral blood volume (CBV). In contrast, ultrasound stimulation elicited responses undetectable with fUS flow imaging, although these were observable when directly measuring the brain’s electrical signals. These findings suggest that fUS flow imaging can effectively differentiate neural responses to visual stimuli, with potential applications in understanding visual processing and developing new diagnostic tools. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomedical Imaging and Analysis of the Eye: Second Edition)
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18 pages, 2666 KiB  
Article
Influence of Backpack Carriage and Walking Speed on Muscle Synergies in Healthy Children
by Giorgia Marino, Alessandro Scano, Giulia Beltrame, Cristina Brambilla, Alessandro Marazzi, Francesco Aparo, Lorenzo Molinari Tosatti, Roberto Gatti and Nicola Portinaro
Bioengineering 2024, 11(2), 173; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering11020173 - 10 Feb 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1520
Abstract
Four to five muscle synergies account for children’s locomotion and appear to be consistent across alterations in speed and slopes. Backpack carriage induces alterations in gait kinematics in healthy children, raising questions regarding the clinical consequences related to orthopedic and neurological diseases and [...] Read more.
Four to five muscle synergies account for children’s locomotion and appear to be consistent across alterations in speed and slopes. Backpack carriage induces alterations in gait kinematics in healthy children, raising questions regarding the clinical consequences related to orthopedic and neurological diseases and ergonomics. However, to support clinical decisions and characterize backpack carriage, muscle synergies can help with understanding the alterations induced in this condition at the motor control level. In this study, we investigated how children adjust the recruitment of motor patterns during locomotion, when greater muscular demands are required (backpack carriage). Twenty healthy male children underwent an instrumental gait analysis and muscle synergies extraction during three walking conditions: self-selected, fast and load conditions. In the fast condition, a reduction in the number of synergies (three to four) was needed for reconstructing the EMG signal with the same accuracy as in the other conditions (three to five). Synergies were grouped in only four clusters in the fast condition, while five clusters were needed for the self-selected condition. The right number of clusters was not clearly identified in the load condition. Speed and backpack carriage altered nearly every spatial–temporal parameter of gait, whereas kinematic alterations reflected mainly hip and pelvis adaptations. Although the synergistic patterns were consistent across conditions, indicating a similar motor pattern in different conditions, the fast condition required fewer synergies for reconstructing the EMG signal with the same level of accuracy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanics of Human Movement and Its Clinical Applications)
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16 pages, 11340 KiB  
Article
Dynamic and Static Assistive Strategies for a Tailored Occupational Back-Support Exoskeleton: Assessment on Real Tasks Carried Out by Railway Workers
by Christian Di Natali, Tommaso Poliero, Vasco Fanti, Matteo Sposito and Darwin G. Caldwell
Bioengineering 2024, 11(2), 172; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering11020172 - 10 Feb 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1314
Abstract
This study on occupational back-support exoskeletons performs a laboratory evaluation of realistic tasks with expert workers from the railway sector. Workers performed both a static task and a dynamic task, each involving manual material handling (MMH) and manipulating loads of 20 kg, in [...] Read more.
This study on occupational back-support exoskeletons performs a laboratory evaluation of realistic tasks with expert workers from the railway sector. Workers performed both a static task and a dynamic task, each involving manual material handling (MMH) and manipulating loads of 20 kg, in three conditions: without an exoskeleton, with a commercially available passive exoskeleton (Laevo v2.56), and with the StreamEXO, an active back-support exoskeleton developed by our institute. Two control strategies were defined, one for dynamic tasks and one for static tasks, with the latter determining the upper body’s gravity compensation through the Model-based Gravity Compensation (MB-Grav) approach. This work presents a comparative assessment of the performance of active back support exoskeletons versus passive exoskeletons when trialled in relevant and realistic tasks. After a lab characterization of the MB-Grav strategy, the experimental assessment compared two back-support exoskeletons, one active and one passive. The results showed that while both devices were able to reduce back muscle activation, the benefits of the active device were triple those of the passive system regarding back muscle activation (26% and 33% against 9% and 11%, respectively), while the passive exoskeleton hindered trunk mobility more than the active mechanism. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Wearable Technologies for ”In-Field” Assessment of Biomechanical Risk)
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13 pages, 1037 KiB  
Protocol
Intra-Articular Injection of Adipose-Derived Stromal Vascular Fraction in Osteoarthritic Temporomandibular Joints: Study Design of a Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
by Jan Aart M. Schipper, Aartje Jorien Tuin, Joris A. van Dongen, Nico B. van Bakelen, Martin Conrad Harmsen and Fred K. L. Spijkervet
Bioengineering 2024, 11(2), 171; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering11020171 - 10 Feb 2024
Viewed by 1703
Abstract
Introduction: Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease of the TMJ. It is characterized by progressive degradation of the extracellular matrix components of articular cartilage, with secondary inflammatory components leading to pain in the temporomandibular region and reduced mouth opening. Current treatments [...] Read more.
Introduction: Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease of the TMJ. It is characterized by progressive degradation of the extracellular matrix components of articular cartilage, with secondary inflammatory components leading to pain in the temporomandibular region and reduced mouth opening. Current treatments do not halt disease progression, hence the need for new therapies to reduce inflammation and, consequently, improve symptoms. The aim of our randomized controlled clinical trial protocol is to investigate the efficacy of adjuvant intra-articular injections of autologous tissue-like stromal vascular fraction (tSVF), compared to arthrocentesis alone, in reducing pain and improving mouth opening in TMJ osteoarthritis patients. Materials and Methods: The primary endpoint analysis will consist of the visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain. The secondary endpoint analyses will include maximal interincisal mouth opening measurements; assessment of oral health and mandibular function based on the oral health impact profile (OHIP) questionnaire and mandibular functional impairment questionnaire (MFIQ); complications during the follow up; synovial cytokine analysis at baseline and after 26 weeks; and nucleated cells and tSVF (immuno)histochemistry analyses of the intervention group. Discussion: Our randomized clinical trial protocol will be applied to evaluate the efficacy of a new promising tSVF injection therapy for TMJ osteoarthritis. The safety of intra-articular injections of tSVF has been proven for knee osteoarthritis. However, since a tSVF injection is considered a heterologous application of cell therapy, the regulatory requirements are strict, which makes medical ethical approval challenging. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Osteoarthritis and Cartilage Tissue Repair)
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11 pages, 2222 KiB  
Article
Influence of a Modified Procedure of Joining Ceramic Head and Adapter Sleeve on the Stem Taper in Revision: An Experimental Study
by Sandra Hunger, Christian Rotsch, Florian Günther, Welf-Guntram Drossel and Christoph-Eckhard Heyde
Bioengineering 2024, 11(2), 170; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering11020170 - 9 Feb 2024
Viewed by 1366
Abstract
In revision operations, ceramic heads of modular hip implants can be replaced. As the surface of the stem taper can be damaged, additional adapter sleeves are applied. The components are usually connected manually by the surgeon in a one-step procedure by hammer impacts. [...] Read more.
In revision operations, ceramic heads of modular hip implants can be replaced. As the surface of the stem taper can be damaged, additional adapter sleeves are applied. The components are usually connected manually by the surgeon in a one-step procedure by hammer impacts. In this study, we investigated a two-step joining procedure with reproducible impaction force. First, the adapter sleeve and head were joined quasi-statically with a force of 2 kN using an assembly device. In the second step, these components were applied to the stem taper using a pulse-controlled instrument. For reference, the joints were assembled according to standard conditions using a tensile testing machine. An average pull-off force of 1309 ± 201 N was achieved for the components joined by the instrument, and the average measured values for the components joined by the testing machine were 1290 ± 140 N. All specimens achieved a force >350 N when released and therefore met the acceptance criterion defined for this study. This study showed that a modified procedure in two steps with a defined force has a positive effect on the reproducibility of the measured joining forces compared to previous studies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Nanobiotechnology and Biofabrication)
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17 pages, 4061 KiB  
Article
An Automatic Method for Generation of CFD-Based 3D Compartment Models: Towards Real-Time Mixing Simulations
by Johan Le Nepvou De Carfort, Tiago Pinto and Ulrich Krühne
Bioengineering 2024, 11(2), 169; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering11020169 - 9 Feb 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2054
Abstract
This article aims to develop a method to automatically generate CFD-based compartment models. This effort to simplify mixing models aims at capturing the interactions between material transport and chemical/biochemical conversions in large-scale reactors. The proposed method converts the CFD results into a system [...] Read more.
This article aims to develop a method to automatically generate CFD-based compartment models. This effort to simplify mixing models aims at capturing the interactions between material transport and chemical/biochemical conversions in large-scale reactors. The proposed method converts the CFD results into a system of mass balance equations for each defined component. The compartmentalization method is applied to two bioreactor geometries and was able to replicate tracer mixing profiles observed in CFD simulations. The generated compartment models were successfully coupled with, a simple Monod-type biokinetic model describing microbial growth, substrate consumption and product formation. The coupled model was used to simulate a four-hour fermentation in a 190 L reactor and a 10 m3 reactor. Resolving the substrate gradients had a clear impact on the biokinetics, increasing with the scale of the reactor. Moreover, the coupled model could simulate the fermentation faster than real-time. Having a real-time-solvable model is essential for implementations in digital twins and other real-time applications using the models as predictive tools. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Digital Twins in Bioprocessing)
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